Classic Poem

Bleak, chilly-breathing Winter creeps
With stolen step through moor and dale,
And o'er the ice-sealed water, sweeps
The Skater bold, with visage pale.
The woods have lost their robes of green,
The heather-bell is filled with snow,
And Nature's aspect now is seen
Like maiden's face o'ercast with wo.

But lately, all was bright and gay,
And blooming 'neath a sunny sky;
Ere smiling summer past away,
And left each fragile flower to die.
'Tis thus the feeling soul bereft
Of cheering hope, and love, and joy,
Feels only gloom and sorrow left,
To sadden, wither, and destroy!